Law schools offer scholarships to candidates each application season. What is the application process? Who receives offers? What is the average scholarship amount? The answer to all questions is: It depends. Thus, it's important to research, prepare, be aware of processes and deadlines and read the fine print.
Key point to consider
Merit-based scholarships vs. need-based scholarships.
Merit-based typically involve your LSAT score and GPA, but each school is different in what they define as "merit."
Need-based are relevant to your financial status.
Application process:
Some schools automatically consider all applicants for scholarships, others have scholarships for certain criteria for which applicants are automatically considered, and some schools offer scholarships to which applicants must apply separately.
When researching a school, learn what scholarships are offered and how you learn if you qualify.
Timing:
Most scholarship awards are provided with the offer of admission, but each school is different.
Some merit awards may have a separately application deadline. Know that while this does not hinder your application, it can impact the timing of when your materials are reviewed.
Pay attention to deadlines: Some schools have scholarship offer acceptance deadlines that may be earlier than seat deposit deadlines.
Retention criteria: Is there certain criteria you must maintain to continue receiving the scholarship? GPA, courseload, etc.
Previous Data: Use the ABA 509 Disclosures and AccessLex Institute's Analytix Tool to confirm previous year's scholarship awards data for law schools.
Negotiating scholarship offers
Know that when an initial scholarship offer is awarded, thought and consideration has been given to the amount based on mutiple criteria (applicant's full application package, comparison to other applicants, alotted budget, etc.). However, law school financial aid offices will receive scholarship reconsideration requests from students and recalculate, if can be financially done and the applicant makes the request appropriately. Law schools receive anywhere from 300-700 scholarship reconsideration requests per year; thus, your approach to the process makes a difference in possible outcomes where a change is possible.
Refer to your request as a reconsideration, rather than a negotiation. As the applicant, you are not in the position to negotiate a deal, but can ask that the law schools reconsider their offer.
Review the admissions and financial aid website for any information about scholarship reconsideration.
Schools are usually very transparent on their website.
There is often a form to complete that is proactively made available.
Applicants who call or contact prior to checking the website for information and/or reviewing and completing the form are least likely to be given reconsideration.
Request a Zoom call, unless otherwise specified. Email to thank them for the scholarship awarded, and politely ask if you might schedule a time to talk in more detail about it.
During your Zoom call:
Thank them again for the initial scholarship offer.
Ask if they would be willing to reconsider the scholarship offer.
When possible, be specific about the amount you are requesting.
Indicate your interest in the school. Would you consider accepting their admission offer and withdrawing all other applications? Is the school among your top three choices? Be honest when conveying this sentiment. If you aren't willing to commit 100% to attending if the scholarship is awarded, don't say so.
Other Scholarship Reconsideration Etiquette Tips
When calculating the reconsideration amount you are seeking, it's appropriate to reference a scholarship amount awarded from another institution. However:
Make sure you are comparing like/peer institutions.
Be reasonable. A law school that offered a 25% tuition-paid merit scholarship is not likely to reconsider to a 75% tuition-paid award.
Do not shop around. If you receive scholarship offers from three institutions, for example, do not use scholarship reconsiderations at all three to "get the best deal." Law school admissions representatives operate in a close community. It has happened where all scholarship offers have been rescinded for applicants who approach the process in this manner.